A review by thenovelmaura
A Dark and Hollow Star, by Ashley Shuttleworth
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This was another #ViolentQueensBookClub pick and I had high hopes because of the LGBTQIA+ rep! I do think this would have been an enjoyable read if it wasn't so dang long. I was slogging through the 500 pages, most of which seemed to be Nausicaä giving long, unrealistic speeches that were supposed to be witty but got old after awhile. Neither of the romantic pairings were very compelling and all of the pining was too much.
I did like the final third of the book, when the plot started coming together and the pacing picked up. And the urban-fantasy Toronto setting was so cool and unique! The political drama between the different fae courts was fascinating, as were all of the magical and mythical creatures who showed up in the hidden pockets of the city. There were some great elements here and I wish they had been combined into something spectacular, but as it stands I'm not inclined to read the sequel.
I did like the final third of the book, when the plot started coming together and the pacing picked up. And the urban-fantasy Toronto setting was so cool and unique! The political drama between the different fae courts was fascinating, as were all of the magical and mythical creatures who showed up in the hidden pockets of the city. There were some great elements here and I wish they had been combined into something spectacular, but as it stands I'm not inclined to read the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Gore
Moderate: Death